Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Herman G. LaMont said Guyana and Jamaica have always bonded, and did exceptionally well over many years, while making remarks to celebrate the second anniversary of Fly Jamaica Airways on Jan. 23.
Standing in the Hall of Lights Banquet Hall in Ozone Park, festooned with national colors, LaMont told guests, “I know this airline will do exceedingly well because the spirit of Air Jamaica lives within, and I recognize that the people of Guyana and Jamaica have always bonded in our region.”
LaMont congratulating the carrier, which has a partnership between the two countries, saying, “I remember two years ago when Fly Jamaica announced its service at the consulate and was introduced to the Jamaican community. I am pleased to see the airline is still flying, and has grown to include a second aircraft.”
“Any business that can continue to grow after two years shows it has a bright future ahead.”
LaMont lauded the airline its exceptional customers service he said, from check-in, to boarding, and final destination. “As far as I can see Fly Jamaica Airways truly live up to our expectation.”
“I welcome Fly Jamaica to the airline business and feel pleased that you are flying to my beloved Jamaica.” “Fly Jamaica mirrors the better part of Air Jamaica.” “The community fully embrace the airline, and the nostalgia it brings,” he said.
President of the Fly Jamaica, Captain Ronald Reece and his wife, Roxanne Reece, manager, who partnered with Jamaicans two years ago, took off on inaugural flights from JFK to Georgetown, and Georgetown to Jamaica in September 2013.
The airline, which operates 757 and 767 aircraft, hopes to add two more to its fleet within the next five years, according to Captain Reece who promised to bring reliable charter and continued scheduled flight opportunity to the flying public.
“The airline business is not an easy one, it’s something that has to develop over a certain amount of time.” “Noting happens simultaneously, everything goes step by step in the airline industry,” added the former Guyana Airways pilot. “We are thankful to God for everything that has happened over the last two years.”
Fly Jamaica whose theme is” One Team One Dream,” purchased a new aircraft in April 2014, making the peak Christmas season flawless, said Captain Reece who does not foresee any problems with its scheduled New York, Kingston, Georgetown, and Toronto routes, catering to travelers at the same competitive prices as other airlines in the region.
Captain Reece is hopeful that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will very soon give Fly Jamaica Airways the go-ahead to begin a direct Georgetown, New York route.
The DOT is yet to approve this route, which it claimed was not necessary for the airline to take, since it already plies a Jamaica, New York route.
Mrs. Reece, who announced that Fly Jamaica would begin a cargo service, as well as charter and package tour opportunities to the two countries, and eventually other parts of the world. She said she looks forward to the continued support from travelers.
“We have a second plane, and we hope you savvy business people will sign up to fly with to us any part of the world,” she said, before naming countries such as China, Africa and South America as examples.
The evening that celebrated with Deejay music, and attended by travel agents, frequent flyers, and business associates, also hosted a live performance by Guyanese singer and ABC TV Rising Star finalist, Lisa Punch.
